Respected Dr Hasmukh Adhiaji, Smt. Anita Karwalji, our Chief Guest for today Shri Sudhir Mehtaji, Director General Dr Sundar Manoharanji, my fellow Members of the Governing Board, faculty, staff, parents, and above all, my dear graduating students — Namaste, and a very warm good evening to each and every one of you.
This evening, we are honoured to have Shri Sudhir Mehtaji, Chairman Emeritus of the Torrent Group, with us as our Chief Guest. For me, Sudhirbhai is one of the proud sons of Gujarat. He, like my father, started as first generation and built a world-class power and pharmaceutical business for Torrent, making Torrent a name that is known across India and the world.
His wisdom continues to nurture and inspire his family, businesses, and the exemplary philanthropic service of the U N Mehta Foundation, for which he spends most of his time now. A deeply spiritual person, he is an embodiment of the finest Jain principles. Respected Sudhirbhai, you are for me a bridge between my father’s generation and my generation. I have always had the highest respect for what I have learnt from you.
For the benefit of this audience, we were the founding board of PDEU and we together built PDEU for the first 15 years, and I am truly grateful always for your guidance. For all of us — in my generation, Jinal’s generation, and future generations — you are a role model for entrepreneurs, and I am sure that some of the budding students in this audience will follow your path. There will be many, many more Sudhir Mehtas coming out of Gujarat, following your footsteps. Having you here today is a particular privilege. Thank you for all your contributions. My dear students, let us welcome Shri Sudhir Mehtaji with a very, very warm applause.
Dear friends and students, I have always regarded Pandit Deendayal Energy University as a sacred shrine from when I became President in 2007. Iss Mandir ki sthapana se main yahan seva karte aaya hoon, har ek saal. Therefore, coming here is like a pilgrimage to me, and seeing each and every one of you, and seeing the energy of the students and this Temple of Knowledge grow, has brought the highest amount of satisfaction not only to me but to the entire Board. This Temple of Knowledge has a lofty purpose to serve both Mother India and Mother Earth. I am happy that we are making consistent progress in pursuit of this mission.
We are ranked among the Top 50 in Innovation in the NIRF 2025. Our faculty are recognised among the world’s leading scientists in the Stanford Global list. Our university has published hundreds of impactful research papers and filed over a hundred patents, as Manoharanji has just told us. My heartfelt congratulations to the entire PDEU family for these achievements. All of you, particularly the faculty, deserve a big round of applause.
As PDEU grows from strength to strength, the happiest person is our Most Respected Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi ji, whose idea it was to start PDEU way back in the early 2000s. His blessings and his strategic vision have motivated us every step of the way. Years ago, I made a promise to him that PDEU would nurture world-class talent to power India’s energy ambitions. Looking at all of you today, I feel that promise being fulfilled. Today, we pledge to our beloved Prime Minister that we are even more determined to do better and make India prouder and PDEU greater in the years to come.
Our university is marching ahead primarily because of its strong leadership. Dr Hasmukh Adhiaji, your vision and rich experience have made a critical difference to the evolution of PDEU. You have made it a hub of new ideas, bold innovation, and quick execution. Smt. Karwalji, your wisdom, guidance, and unstinting support have been invaluable to PDEU. Dr Manoharanji, your dedication to academic excellence and global engagement has uplifted the entire university, and I am continuously impressed with your pace of execution. Let us offer our leadership team a huge round of applause.
Distinguished leaders, faculty and students, India today stands at a proud moment in its development journey as you graduate. The global economy is growing at less than 2.5 percent. India is sprinting ahead at nearly 8 percent. There is erosion of confidence all around; in contrast, India is bubbling with hope and self-confidence. A decade ago, the rest of India was talking about Vibrant Gujarat. Today, the rest of the world is talking about a Vibrant India.
Nevertheless, we must remember that the geopolitical situation has created certain challenges for our future progress. India must become Atma Nirbhar — self-reliant — in critical technologies and industries. This message is of great relevance to our university and all other universities in India. History shows that countries become true economic powers only when they are strong in science and technology. History also shows that nations lead in science and technology only when they have world-class universities. America became America because of its best-in-the-world universities. Europe demonstrated this truth much earlier. Japan did it. China is also doing it. Now it is India’s turn — and we should do better than all the rest.
As all of you know, right now there is a stiff global competition in Artificial Intelligence, new energy — particularly the development of nuclear fusion technologies — space technologies, biotechnology and life sciences technologies, and other technologies of the future. In this race, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar! Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi ji, I believe Bharat Jeetega. Bharat Aage Badhega. Bharat Duniya Ko Badalega. Aur hum sab, particularly my next generation, Bharat Ko Badalenge! PDEU must make its own contribution to winning this race.
Therefore, today, I want to ask all of you — all the students, all the researchers, and all the teachers of our great university: Are we ready to make PDEU one of the best universities in green energy, green materials, and the green economy? Yes or no? Can I hear a big YES? Yes, that is the spirit. I believe in each and every one of you. The greatest source of energy in the world is the energy of the patriotic youth — and India is a young country.
My dear PDEU family, Reliance Foundation has been at the forefront of supporting the all-round development of PDEU. Over the past ten years, the Foundation has contributed Rs. 150 crore. And you can always count on our unstinted support.
Dear graduating students, today is your day. As I look at your faces, I see excitement, pride, and a deep sense of achievement. Every smile tells a story — a story of hard work, challenges overcome, friendships built, and dreams pursued. You represent the confident and unstoppable spirit of New India. You are the torchbearers of India’s aspiration to build a better tomorrow for all 145 crore Indians. I heartily applaud your success and wish you the very best from my heart. Please join me in giving a big round of applause to our graduating students. Congratulations and well done!
Today, I also want to acknowledge our teachers — the true pillars of this university. Their joy is as deep as yours. Behind every successful student stands a teacher who encouraged, challenged, supported, and believed in them. Please join me in applauding them for their extraordinary dedication.
To all the parents and families here — whose numbers in the audience far exceed the students — let me say that this moment belongs to you as well. Your children are receiving their degrees today, but in your hearts the real reward is the joy you see on their faces. You have celebrated their victories. You have lifted them through their struggles. Most importantly, you never stopped believing in them. Your love and sacrifices have made this day possible. Let us offer our warmest applause to the proud families and parents gathered here.
Dear students, as you step into a new world, let me give you a message of hope and positivity. Your future is bright; have no worries. India — and the world at large — are full of opportunities. I, in fact, envy you because when I was your age we did not have so many exciting opportunities. You are graduating at a very special time.
As you begin your journey, I want to introduce you to four lifelong companions who will walk beside you every step of the way. Your first friend is Curiosity — the child within you that keeps asking “Why?” and “Why not?” Curiosity opens doors you did not know existed. It pushes you to learn, explore, and discover. Nurture it every single day, because a curious mind never becomes irrelevant. In today’s world, ChatGPT can give you answers, but only you can ask the right questions. In the age of AI, the person with the most answers is smart, but the person with the best questions is a leader. Never let your curiosity and your faculty of thinking die.
Your second strength is Courage — the voice that says “Dream Big.” It stays with you when the world is uncertain. It helps you move forward even when the path is unclear. Let courage be your compass in difficult moments.
Your third friend is Perseverance. There will be days when progress is slow, results seem distant, or you feel discouraged. Perseverance is the quiet force that helps you rise each time you fall and try again with renewed determination. Success is not a 100-meter sprint — it is a long marathon. Always persevere and never give up.
Your fourth friend is Gratitude, which comes with humility. It reminds you that whatever you achieve is built on the support, love, and goodwill of countless people. Gratitude and humility keep you grounded as you rise higher. They teach you that true success is not just reaching the top, but remaining humble once you get there. As Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa beautifully said, “The tree laden with fruits always bends low.”
My dear graduating students, if you embrace these four friends — curiosity, courage, perseverance, and gratitude — your life journey will be purposeful, your achievements meaningful, and your life truly beautiful.
My heartfelt congratulations once again to the graduating class of 2025, and to your proud families. From the bottom of my heart, may your future be bright, impactful, and full of joy. We at PDEU will always cheer for you. Good luck. Jai Hind! Jai Shri Krishna.
